Ultimate Gourmet Pizza Pasta Bake
Indulge in this delicious Ultimate Gourmet Pizza Pasta Bake that combines all the beloved flavors of supreme pizza with the comforting heartiness of pasta. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, this dish features whole wheat rotini pasta enveloped in a savory blend of lean ground turkey, fresh vegetables, and zesty tomato sauce. Topped with gooey mozzarella and turkey pepperoni, it's a must-try for pizza lovers seeking a nutritious twist on their favorite meal. Prepare it in just one skillet, then bake to perfection for a delightful cheesy finish that will have everyone begging for seconds!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
whole wheat rotini pasta
8 ounces (uncooked)
lean ground turkey
1/2 lb (cooked, crumbled)
extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon (for sautéing)
minced garlic
1 teaspoon (fresh)
small onion
1 (diced)
green bell peppers
2 (diced)
baby bella mushrooms
8 ounces (sliced)
prego light smart traditional pasta sauce
23 1/4 ounces (bottle)
Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon (for seasoning)
shredded reduced-fat mozzarella cheese
1 cup (for topping)
turkey pepperoni
17 slices (for topping)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ultimate Gourmet Pizza Pasta Bake?
It is a hearty dish that combines the flavors of a supreme pizza with whole wheat pasta in a baked casserole format.
What type of pasta is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of uncooked whole wheat rotini pasta.
What protein is used in the pizza pasta bake?
The dish uses lean ground turkey that has been cooked and crumbled.
How much ground turkey is required?
You will need 1/2 pound of lean ground turkey.
What kind of cheese is used for the topping?
The recipe uses 1 cup of shredded reduced-fat mozzarella cheese.
What type of pepperoni is recommended?
Turkey pepperoni is used to maintain a lighter, more nutritious profile.
How many slices of turkey pepperoni are needed?
The recipe specifies 17 slices of turkey pepperoni for the topping.
What vegetables are included in this bake?
The dish includes a small onion, two green bell peppers, and baby bella mushrooms.
How many green bell peppers should I use?
You should use two diced green bell peppers.
What type of mushrooms are best for this recipe?
The recipe suggests using 8 ounces of sliced baby bella mushrooms.
What kind of pasta sauce is used?
A 23.25 ounce bottle of Prego light smart traditional pasta sauce is used.
How much garlic is needed?
You need 1 teaspoon of fresh minced garlic.
What oil is used for sautéing the ingredients?
One teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil is used for sautéing.
What seasoning is added to the sauce?
One teaspoon of Italian seasoning is added for extra flavor.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it uses whole wheat pasta, lean turkey, and reduced-fat cheese for a nutritious twist on pizza.
Can I prepare this in one pan?
Yes, the instructions mention preparing it in a single skillet before baking.
How is the onion prepared?
The recipe requires one small onion to be diced.
Is the turkey pepperoni cooked before being added?
The turkey pepperoni is placed on top before the dish is baked to perfection.
What is the serving size for this dish?
While specific serving sizes are not listed, the recipe uses 8 ounces of pasta and 1/2 pound of meat, typically serving 4 to 6 people.
Is this dish suitable for potlucks?
Yes, its casserole-style format makes it a perfect choice for family dinners or potlucks.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
While whole wheat rotini is recommended for nutrition, you can substitute with other short pasta shapes like penne or fusilli.
Are the mushrooms fresh or canned?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of fresh, sliced baby bella mushrooms.
How do I prepare the garlic?
The garlic should be fresh and minced.
Is this a vegetarian recipe?
No, this version contains both ground turkey and turkey pepperoni.
What gives the dish its pizza flavor?
The combination of pasta sauce, Italian seasoning, mozzarella, and turkey pepperoni provides the signature pizza taste.
Do I need to cook the pasta before baking?
The pasta should be prepared according to the skillet and bake method mentioned in the description.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
It has a delightful cheesy finish with a savory, saucy interior.
Can I add other pizza toppings?
Yes, you can easily customize this with additional vegetables like olives or spinach.
Is the ground turkey seasoned?
The turkey is seasoned by the Italian seasoning and the pasta sauce during the assembly process.
What is the main advantage of this recipe?
It offers the comfort of a pasta bake with the flavor profile of a pizza while being a healthier alternative.